Secondary

What will I learn?

Our research-led course will give you plenty of practical experience. Our curriculum focuses on supporting you to put learning into practice and places you in school four days a week from early September until the end of June.

The programme balances excellent subject specific expertise with a deep understanding of effective teaching methods and includes an emphasis on teacher wellbeing.

Our programme also includes a six-week placement in a second educational setting later in the year to ensure that you qualify with broad teaching experience.

You will undertake six modules across the year – one per half term. In each module you will have self-directed study sessions, live seminars and time to collaborate with other trainees within your placement teaching school hub.

The modules cover all areas of the Core Content Framework providing an integrated understanding of common teaching practice and subject / phase methodology. Each module will provide you with opportunities to practise and apply your learning in the classroom.

 

What are the training commitments?

Before you enter the classroom, we’ll give you two weeks of intensive training which focuses on areas of core pedagogy such as behaviour management and working with pupils with additional needs.

You will have a further two weeks of intensive training later in the year.

Once you start your placement you will have weekly training sessions with us – designed by Teach First’s expert curriculum designers – and sequenced to make sure you are focused on the areas of teaching that are most relevant to that point in the academic year. These weekly sessions will be a mixture of online and in-person training, supported by online self-directed study content.

What support will I receive?

As an unsalaried trainee you will ease into teaching by shadowing other teachers, before leading your own lessons with guidance from your more experienced colleagues.

You will work with a range of skilled and knowledgeable colleagues (known as subject mentors and lead mentors) who will ensure that you are well supported across your training.

Your mentors also receive support and training from us and Teach First to ensure that they are briefed on the latest research and can tailor their coaching to suit your needs.

Costs

The course fees for UK students in 2022 to 2023 are £9,250.

The tuition fees for UK/EU students are typically: Full-time: £9,250 per year

Bursaries and scholarships are available to trainees.

Visit the DfE webpage about funding and support for more information (Funding: initial teacher training (ITT), academic year 2023 to 2024 – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Apply

We’re open for applications for a September 2023 start. Please apply using the DfE apply service Apply for teacher training – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) – choosing “One Cumbria Teaching School Hub” – and your application will be forwarded onto us for assessment.

Before you apply, please make sure that you meet our eligibility requirements:

An undergraduate degree, or equivalent.

  • You will need to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the subject you are applying to teach, either through your degree qualification, your A Levels or relevant experience.
  • Grade 4 (C) or above in English and Maths GCSEs, or equivalent qualification.
  • To teach Primary, you will also need Grade 4 (C) or above in Science GCSE.
  • We will not consider candidates with pending GCSEs. Functional skills qualifications are not equivalent to Maths and English GCSEs.
  • We accept most equivalency test providers. You will need to have passed your GCSE equivalency test before applying to our programme; we will not be able to process your application until you have passed.
  • Overseas qualifications will be reviewed by ENIC to ensure they meet programme requirements. If you have any questions about the programme or the application process, contact us on itt@onecumbria.education

School placements

  • Our ITT partnership is firmly rooted in carefully planned and nurtured existing relationships and recognition, and has as its aim an opportunity to make our county the best place in the country to train as a teacher over a complete career path, from ITT to National Professional Qualification – a genuine ‘Golden Thread’.
  • We have a network of partner schools across the whole county of Cumbria, ranging in size, location and phase. We will leverage our existing partnerships with schools across the county to find quality placements for our ITTs. These are carefully chosen, research-informed, designated lead schools.
  • Our curriculum focuses on supporting you to put learning into practice to have an impact on pupils during a four day a week core school placement from mid-September to July.
  • You will have one day a week to engage in training and development to support your teaching practice, as well as a six-week placement in a different school. The programme balances developing your subject knowledge and expertise alongside giving you a deep understanding of effective teaching methods and techniques to manage your workload and wellbeing.
  • When you are in your school placement, you will work closely with a highly skilled and knowledgeable mentor and also spend time with other expert teachers, observing their lessons and learning how to teach and plan lessons and throughout the year practise your own teaching.

Personal qualities

We think these attributes make great teachers:

  1. Humility, respect and empathy. These attributes will help you quickly build relationships that get the best out of everyone involved.
  2. Interaction. Communicating clearly, listening carefully and responding appropriately.
  3. Planning and organising. Trainees manage daily responsibilities and juggle lots of priorities.
  4. Problem solving. Come up with considered, effective and appropriate solutions to the challenges trainees face.
  5. Resilience. Teaching isn’t easy. You’ll need patience, energy and a positive mindset to persevere through the difficult times.
  6. Self-evaluation. Personal development is vital for long-term success.

Financial support

You could be eligible for a bursary of £20,000.

To be eligible for a bursary you’ll need a 2:2 degree in any subject. You do not need to apply for a bursary. If you’re eligible, you’ll automatically start receiving it when you start the course.

You may also be eligible for a student loan. These are normally for undergraduate courses but you can also apply if you do postgraduate teacher training. Find out how much loan you could get using the student finance calculator.

Depending on your immigration status, financial support may not be available. Find out about training to teach if you’re a non-UK citizen.

Interview process

The initial stage of selection is reviewing your application.

  • We ensure your qualifications meet our entry requirements and your personal statement indicates you have a passion for education and your specialised subject.
    • If you are successful, you will be invited to interview at one of our partner schools.
  • The interview day is usually within 20 working days of receiving your application.
  • The interview process will include the following:
    • opportunity to ask questions/obtain further information
    • a panel interview
    • a subject-specific taught lesson
    • subject knowledge assessment

International candidates

You’ll need the right to study in the UK. You already have this if, for example, you:

  • are an Irish citizen
  • have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (you may still be able to apply)
  • have indefinite leave to remain in the UK

If you do not already have the right to study in the UK, you may need to apply for a visa. The main visa for fee-paying courses (those that you have to pay for) is the Student visa.

To apply for a Student visa, you’ll need to be sponsored by your training provider.

Sponsorship is not available for this course.

If you need a visa, filter your course search to find courses with visa sponsorship.

Alternatively, check if you’re eligible for a different type of visa, such as a Graduate or Family visa, that allows you to train to be a teacher without being sponsored.

Find out more about training to teach in England.

Apply Now for September 2023

Our Secondary Courses

Biology

As a Biology teacher…

You would inspire young people to learn about life and how organisms survive, thrive and change.

As a biology teacher, you’d teach pupils about cells, genes and evolution. You would also teach pupils the scientific principles and concepts used to understand the living world.

You would work with young people from 11 to 18 years old. You could work in public or private schools. You may also work in a college or learning centre.

You’d help your pupils learn how to use scientific language, formulae and equations and practical techniques for scientific investigation.

They would learn how scientific discoveries impact people’s lives, society and the environment.

You’d teach students of different ages and abilities and prepare young people

Chemistry

As a Chemistry teacher…

You would inspire and motivate young people to learn about the properties of matter and how substances interact through chemical reactions to form different substances.

As a chemistry teacher you’d teach the pupils about elements, atoms and molecules and the scientific principles and concepts used to understand the material world.

You would teach young people from 11 to 18 years old, in state and independent schools. You might also work in a college or learning centre.

You’d help your pupils develop skills in the accurate use of scientific language, formulae and equations and how to use practical techniques for scientific inquiry and investigation.

They would learn how scientific discoveries make an impact on people’s lives, society and the enviroment. You’d teach them the capacity to be scientifically literate citizens and prepare the foundations for some pupils to go on to a career in science and technologies.

You’d teach students of different ages and abilities and prepare young people

English

As an English teacher…

You would inspire and motivate young people to learn how to express themselves and communicate well with other people through speech and writing.

You would teach young people from 11 to 18 years old, in state and independent schools. You might also work in a college or learning centre.

As an English teacher you’d help your pupils develop their language and literacy skills in listening and talking, reading and writing. You’d help them read and enjoy literature and create their own texts.

You’d teach students of different ages and abilities and prepare young people.

You would:

  • prepare lessons and teaching materials
  • assess students’ progress and mark their work
  • set homework
  • manage classroom behaviour
  • discuss students’ progress with parents and carers
  • organise study trips, social activities and sports events

You’d encourage the students to take pride in their achievements inside and outside school. You’d support them to build good relationships with other students and teachers and play a positive part in the life of the school and the local community.

You’d help them get the knowledge, skills and attributes they’ll need for a successful and positive life when they leave school.Sometimes you will need to deal with challenging behaviour. It may be difficult to get some teenagers to study so you’d need to be imaginative and enthusiastic to keep them interested.

You’d need to attend meetings and training courses. You’d work closely with colleagues to plan the school’s timetables, and work with other professionals, such as education psychologists and social workers.

Geography

As a Geography teacher…

You would inspire and motivate young people to learn more about the physical world around them and how the environment develops and changes.

You would teach young people from 11 to 18 years old, in state and independent schools. You might also work in a college or learning centre.

As a geography teacher you’d help your pupils understand how people are affected by the environment and how they shape the places where they live.

You’d teach students of different ages and abilities and prepare young people.

You would:

  • prepare lessons and teaching materials
  • assess students’ progress and mark their work
  • set homework
  • manage classroom behaviour
  • discuss students’ progress with parents and carers
  • organise study trips, social activities and sports events

You’d encourage the students to take pride in their achievements inside and outside school. You’d support them to build good relationships with other students and teachers and play a positive part in the life of the school and the local community.

You’d help them get the knowledge, skills and attributes they’ll need for a successful and positive life when they leave school.

Sometimes you will need to deal with challenging behaviour. It may be difficult to get some teenagers to study so you’d need to be imaginative and enthusiastic to keep them interested.

You’d need to attend meetings and training courses. You’d work closely with colleagues to plan the school’s timetables, and work with other professionals, such as education psychologists and social workers.

Maths

As a Mathematics teacher…

ou would teach young people about numbers and shapes. You’d also show them how to use mathematical skills for calculating, problem-solving, algebraic thinking, information-handling and analysis.

As a maths teacher you’d inspire and motivate your pupils to develop their mathematical and numeracy skills. They would learn to understand how numbers work and the relevance of mathematics to daily life. You’d teach concepts such as using chance and risk assessment in decision-making.

You would teach young people from 11 to 18 years old, in state and independent schools. You might also work in a college or learning centre.

You’d teach students of different ages and abilities.

You would:

  • prepare lessons and teaching materials
  • assess students’ progress and mark their work
  • set homework
  • manage classroom behaviour
  • discuss students’ progress with parents and carers
  • organise study trips, social activities and sports events

You’d encourage the students to take pride in their achievements inside and outside school. You’d support them to build good relationships with other students and teachers and play a positive part in the life of the school and the local community.

You’d help them get the knowledge, skills and attributes they’ll need for a successful and positive life when they leave school.

Sometimes you will need to deal with challenging behaviour. It may be difficult to get some teenagers to study so you’d need to be imaginative and enthusiastic to keep them interested.

You’d need to attend meetings and training courses. You’d work closely with colleagues to plan the school’s timetables, and work with other professionals, such as education psychologists and social workers.

Physics

As a Physics teacher…

You would inspire and motivate young people to learn about the scientific principles and concepts used to understand how the universe works.

As a physics teacher, you’d teach them about the study of matter, how it moves through space and time as well as energy and forces.

You would teach young people from 11 to 18 years old, in state and independent schools. You might also work in a college or learning centre.

You’d help your pupils develop skills in the accurate use of scientific language, formulae and equations and how to use practical techniques for scientific inquiry and investigation.

They would learn how scientific discoveries make an impact on people’s lives, society and the environment. You’d teach them the capacity to be scientifically literate citizens and prepare the foundations for some pupils to go on to a career in science and technologies.

You’d teach students of different ages and abilities and prepare young people.

You would:

  • prepare lessons and teaching materials
  • assess students’ progress and mark their work
  • set homework
  • manage classroom behaviour
  • discuss students’ progress with parents and carers
  • organise study trips, social activities and sports events.

You’d encourage the students to take pride in their achievements inside and outside school. You’d support them to build good relationships with other students and teachers and play a positive part in the life of the school and the local community.

You’d help them get the knowledge, skills and attributes they’ll need for a successful and positive life when they leave school.

Sometimes you will need to deal with challenging behaviour. It may be difficult to get some teenagers to study so you’d need to be imaginative and enthusiastic to keep them interested.

You’d need to attend meetings and training courses. You’d work closely with colleagues to plan the school’s timetables and work with other professionals, such as education psychologists and social workers.

Modern Foreign Languages - German, French or Spanish

You would inspire and motivate young people to learn other languages so they can make connections and communicate with people from other countries and cultures.

You would teach young people from 11 to 18 years old, in state and independent schools. You might also work in a college or learning centre.

As a modern foreign languages teacher, you’d teach your pupils how to develop their skills in talking, listening, reading and writing in a foreign language. You could teach languages such as French, Spanish and German. You might teach more than one language.

Learning a foreign language will help young people explore other cultures and get a better understanding of their role as global citizens.

You’d teach students of different ages and abilities and prepare young people.

You would:

  • prepare lessons and teaching materials
  • assess students’ progress and mark their work
  • set homework
  • manage classroom behaviour
  • discuss students’ progress with parents and carers
  • organise study trips, social activities and sports events

You’d encourage the students to take pride in their achievements inside and outside school. You’d support them to build good relationships with other students and teachers and play a positive part in the life of the school and the local community.

You’d help them get the knowledge, skills and attributes they’ll need for a successful and positive life when they leave school.

Sometimes you will need to deal with challenging behaviour. It may be difficult to get some teenagers to study so you’d need to be imaginative and enthusiastic to keep them interested.

You’d need to attend meetings and training courses. You’d work closely with colleagues to plan the school’s timetables and work with other professionals, such as education psychologists and social workers.

Apply

Ready to start your journey as a teacher, then click on the button

Apply Now

If you have any further questions, please contact Judith Schafer (One Cumbria Director) at schaferj@onecumbria.education